Bryce Dallas Howard’s Directorial Debut Dads Is Beyond Heartwarming

Bryce Dallas Howard’s directorial debut, Dads, comes to Apple TV+ this week and it is a must watch documentary. Get ready to shed some tears.

bryce dallas howard dads review

I adore Bryce Dallas Howard as an actress, so naturally I was intrigued when I discovered she was going to be making her directorial debut with Dads. When the trailer made me cry, I new I should have tissues handy while watching. And I was right.

For an hour and a half, Dads treats its viewers to many different stories about dads. Many topics are discussed, such as becoming a dad, protecting your children, and even fears of being a dad. But the best part? No two stories are the same. 

Not only are interviews with celebrity fathers a part of this documentary, there are interviews with “regular” dads as well. The overall lesson seems to be that fatherhood isn’t just one thing. What is a dad? Well… it is really hard to say isn’t it? 

Jimmy Fallon says he defines a dad as a hero, because he looks up to his father. Will Smith jokes about how his kids think he is corny. Neil Patrick Harris confesses he says the very things that he cringed at when his dad said them — because it is my house, my rules. (I confess, I have said those things as well). 

Because I started off as a mom blogger (I hate that term but it is true), I especially loved watching Glen Henry tell his story about being a stay at home dad, and then blogger/vlogger. Thaigo Queiroz is also a dad blogger. Those stories hit home for me and I totally related to almost everything they said.

Bryce also interviews her own father and grandfather, which was another one of my favorite parts. Honestly, seeing the pride in Ron Howard’s eyes as he tells her that he is proud of her — it made my heart sing. You can literally see it in his eyes. That is what being a Father is all about.

Overall Thoughts

There are so many stories in Bryce Dallas Howard’s Dads, and each one made me tear up. Every single one. Bryce Dallas Howard shows us that no two dads are the same. Not really. The idea that the dad goes to work and isn’t really involved in their children’s lives just isn’t true. It isn’t real. And it certainly isn’t for everyone. 

Every story is different, and yet every story is heartwarming and filled with love. If you are a dad, a mom, a parent, or even a son or daughter, Dads is more than worth a watch. It is sure to make you appreciate the unconditional love and bond that a child and parent have. 

Now I am off to spend the rest of my day playing with my kids, because they are only little once.

About Dads

“Dads” is a heartfelt and humorous documentary that celebrates the joys and challenges of parenting in today’s world. A joyful exploration of modern fatherhood, this doc gathers the testimonies of dads around the world, from famous comedians to everyday parents. Their unfiltered stories speak to the beauty, struggles, and ridiculous hilarity of being a dad today.

Making her feature directorial debut, Bryce Dallas Howard also offers an intimate look at the dads in her own family, including remarkable interviews with her late grandfather Rance, her father Ron and her brother Reed.

Dads comes to Apple TV+ on June 19th, 2020.

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